Released on the Magazine’s youtube and social media channels, the documentary, which is sponsored by the Jamaica Broilers Group, offered strong advice to teachers, parents, students, the community and all other stakeholders in the quest to have better results at the end of the academic year.

Below are excerpts from the educators’ sage advice:

“I say to my students, there comes a time when you have to have tunnel vision. Make those healthy choices in terms of how you manage your body; you can’t be having friends who are going to keep you up at night talking about their boyfriend or girlfriends. You really need to be resting or studying.” – Esther Tyson

“When you see something (indiscipline) happening on the street, if you don’t feel like you can get involved at least call the school. We get calls from random persons on the road about students who did something good or something bad. It’s very important for us to know what is happening out there and so that helps to influence what we do as teachers.”” – Diedre Dixon

“You have to have a passion for teaching, if you don’t have passion for children don’t stay in the classroom because you damage lives.” – Esther Tyson

“Children that do exceptionally well are the children with parents that are totally involved… One of the things that our parents need to understand is that schools cannot and should not be treated as a daycare centre. Parents must understand that education is a relationship; it has to be a partnership.” – Linton Wier

Family and Faith Magazine President and Founder Mrs. Shelly-Ann Harris, noted that her main takeaway from this third project was that parents need to maintain the same or even a greater level of interest and support in high school as they did in primary / prep school. “As parents we spend significant time and resources to get our kids ready for GSAT (and now PEP) but in high school there is a tendency to loosen your grip on the handle so to speak. The educators made it very clear that this is a no no. Our teenagers are not adults and they need guidance and support all the way.”

“I am also reminded that God uses people, especially teachers, to intervene in children’s lives, point them towards their destiny and indeed help to train them up in the way they should go,” Harris remarked.

Go here to watch the complete documentary and share with your family and friends!

In addition to gripping testimonies on miraculous healing, marriage reconciliation and deliverance from depression, the 45-minute documentary highlights the exciting lessons the women are learning from God in this season of their lives; tackles feelings of unworthiness among women and explores Easter time in Jamaica, among other themes. There is also a special feature on the amazing work being done by ‘God’s helpers’ (social workers) for the mentally ill at Bellevue Hospital.

President and Founder of Family and Faith Magazine, Shelly-Ann Harris, is excited about the new project. “It has been such a humbling and overwhelming experience listening to each exemplary woman testify of God’s power. Humbling because what else can you do when you behold God’s power at work in people’s lives? And overwhelming because God’s glory was so evident and so strong,” Harris, who also directed the project, expressed.

Additionally, she noted that, “Yes the documentary is all of 45 -minutes but it is time well spent! We invite families and friends to get together during the holidays, watch the documentary together and be blessed.”

Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness and his wife joined with thousands of Jamaicans on Saturday, December 2 to seek God and repent for the sins of the nation. Amidst leaders from most Christian denominations including Seventh Day Adventists, Catholics, Baptists, Evangelicals, Independent churches and other groups, the Prime Minister passionately and solemnly listed and confessed the sins of the nation and sought forgiveness from God under open sky in Half-Way-Tree Square.

“Lord God and Heavenly Father, I come to you today on behalf of my nation, my family, my wife who is here with me and every family and person in Jamaica. I come as Prime Minister of Jamaica on behalf of myself and all leaders of the state and their various administrative staff, operational arm, and the various agents and agencies;

Lord God and Eternal Father I come acknowledging that we have sinned against the people of Jamaica, we have sinned against our fellow man, we have sinned against our family members and relatives, we have sinned against our neighbours, we have sinned against the children, the youth and the unborn. We have sinned against the poor and the weak and the elderly, we have sinned against the free and the imprisoned…” Mr. Holiness outlined.

Moved by the Prime Minister’s confessions and supplications, the audience could be heard weeping and shouting “amen” and “hallelujah!”

“We hereby seek your face and turn from our wicked ways asking for your mercies and forgiveness for sins and seek by faith and by choice to humble ourselves in your sight acknowledging our sins individually and collectively. We now take responsibility for our sins. As we come to you, grant us grace to obey you in Jesus name,” the Prime Minister petitioned.

Explaining his perspective on prayer, the Prime Minister also noted that: “We pray not because we don’t want to work…we pray because we know our efforts will never be enough.

“We pray because God is stronger than us,” Prime Minister Holiness declared to much cheers and applause from the audience which tarried in Half-Way-Tree Square until after midnight.

The National Day of fasting, prayer and repentance was convened by Pastor Jeffrey Shuttleworth of Tarrant Baptist Church. In addition to the Prime Minister, several church leaders from various denominations prayed and repented about several themes including the family, the economy, violence, media and culture among others.

Most Jamaicans know her as the ‘Queen of the Dancehall’. She has had an award-winning career as a master lyricist and scintillating performer, headlining countless shows locally and internationally. However a few years ago, the artiste formerly known as Lady Saw, turned over her life to the Lord Jesus Christ. Family and Faith Magazine connected with the former dancehall star who now goes by the name Minister Marion Hall which reflects her new mandate as a Christian artiste.

Family and Faith Magazine: How have you changed since you committed your life to the Lord Jesus?

Minister Marion Hall: Praise Be to God, the God of second chances. I have changed in so many ways, but most importantly, I’ve changed for Christ.

Family and Faith Magazine: What have you been doing to keep growing in the Lord?

Minister Marion Hall: I’ve been staying in the Word, as the Holy Spirit had instructed me to do when I first got saved. I was also reminded in a vision some months ago, when I got distracted by family issues. My God directs my life.

Family and Faith Magazine: Do you ever feel tempted to go back to being Lady Saw? Why or Why not?

Minister Marion Hall: I have never. And will never be tempted to go back to do the work of the devil. The reason is that I’m in love with the lord!!!! The second reason is that He gives me ‘the peace that passeth all understanding!!!’ And the last reason but not least, I never like that person. Lady saw that is.

Family and Faith Magazine: Jamaica is celebrating 55 years of independence this year, If you had the power to change one thing about Jamaica, what would that be and why?

Minister Marion Hall: I would love to change so many things in our country. But I don’t have the power. The ones with the power only looking out for themselves, while the poor remain poor, or die trying to survive. All I can do is pray for not just my country, but the world.

Family and Faith Magazine: You will be in Jamaica this August, tell us about where you will be ministering and about your latest project.

Minister Marion Hall: I will be ministering in Kingston, Ocho Rios, Savannah-La-Mar, and May pen. The dates are August 1, 5, 12 and 13. I will also be recording my new album with the “His Grace.” On the 7th of October I will be ministering at the Montego Bay Convention Center. I will also be in Black River, Santa Cruz and Junction for December 7, 12 and 14.

I once heard the late renowned senior pastor, Dr. Myles Munroe joke (or maybe he wasn’t joking) that God lives in the Bahamas. I suppose he said that as testament to how blessed his homeland has been over the years. But if we were to go by the number of Jamaicans that associate themselves with a church as well as the number of churches in the island, Jamaica would definitely be the place where the Father, Son and Holy Spirit reside!

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Jamaica has the most churches per square mile of any country in the world. But then Jamaica is used to being among the best, highest, most or first: Jamaica has the fastest man and woman in the world, Jamaica’s reggae music is recognized across the world; Jamaica is recognized as the best place to do business in the region; Jamaica is among the top Miss World titleholders in the world (certainly is at the very top in the Caribbean); Jamaica has some of the world’s best healing herbs (especially its marijuana); Jamaica is now among the 10 most improved economies for doing business in the world and the list goes on and on.

So the fact that we have had the most churches per square mile isn’t too surprising. We tend to over-perform.

Established in the 1600s, the Church of England, which we know today as the Anglican Church, is said to be the oldest continuous religious presence in Jamaica. However longevity does not imply growth since according to the 2011 Population and Housing Census, Anglican membership is among the smallest when compared to other denominations in Jamaica and furthermore it has been on the decline in recent years.

On the other hand, the largest denomination in Jamaica is currently the Seventh-day Adventist faith with over 320,000 members. A Seventh-day Governor General and Prime Minister are therefore fairly representative of the population. Of course behind the Adventists are the Pentecostals, which number just under 300,000 followed by Church of God and the New Testament Church of God. Overall, irrespective of their associated denomination, it is estimated that some 77% of all Jamaicans identify with a religious organization, which makes the island, largely Christian, which then naturally means that ‘Jesus lives in Jamaica!’

Seriously though, like Dr. Munroe, Jamaicans tend to feel like they are more God-blessed than any other country in the region or the world. Just ask any Jamaican about why predicted hurricanes somehow miraculously shift away from the rock at the last minute. Local meteorologists must get tired of advising that a severe destructive weather system is coming nigh Jamaica since at least 2.2 million people (the 77%) are going to fall on their knees and petition God to protect the island. And since they are His children, He will hear and answer. This has become such a thing that the other 23% (who don’t necessarily believe in God) started to question the veracity of the meteorologists’ methods and predictions about storms ‘coming to Jamaica’. It must be that the poor meteorologist is not so good at his job, is tricking us or is in cahoots with the private sector so that they can make more money from tin food, water and candle sales during the hurricane season, they surmise. Or, it could be that the storm simply naturally changed course which it sometimes is likely to do. For that 23%, those possibilities are more tolerable and reasonable than the idea that God actually hears and turns back or stops storms, as He had done in Mark 4:39. “Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”

So if it is that God is hearing us pray and is sparing our island from natural disasters, why doesn’t He spare us from the scourge of crime and violence that continues to storm communities? Jamaica is known to be one of the most violent countries in the world. What a paradox: we have some of the happiest people, most beautiful locations, ‘irie’ music, best vibes, best sportspeople and yet we are among the most violent. Maybe we are too ‘spirited’ and I don’t mean in the Holy Spirit sense. Maybe we are too passionate intrinsically, so everything happens in extremes.

Or, maybe the 2.2 million intercessory massive don’t pray in desperation for deliverance from crime. Maybe we are not kneeling down on this issue because most of us are directly unaffected by violent crime. As horrible as crime is in Jamaica and the terrible reputation that Jamaica has developed as a country, most crimes are really only committed in pockets of communities in certain parishes. According to a study by the Inter-American Development Bank, victims of violent crime are concentrated in certain neighborhoods. “Living in a neighborhood with high physical disorder (graffiti, trash and abandoned buildings), low social cohesion (trust among neighbors) and a gang presence were all strongly associated with being a victim of violent crime.” So the entire island is not beset by the crime scourge, and that may be why the entire island, or at least the believing 77%, don’t seem to be bending their knees in desperation and begging God to intervene. But then how do we truly know that they do not?

Or, is it that crime is a social problem that involves the will, unlike a natural hazard which we understand to be largely an act of God? Is it that God would not so readily intervene when man’s free will is involved? And is it that we reap what we collectively sow in corruption of all sorts, abuse in families, father’s abandonment of children, mother’s sowing seeds of bitterness in their children, unforgiveness, poor parenting practices etc.etc.etc?

Or is the issue one of unity? We stand in unity when we pray against hurricanes approaching Jamaica. Not so much when praying about crime, if as individuals we pray about crime at all. There have been many marches and prayer meetings, but do we as professed Christians personally and consistently pray for the deliverance and protection of communities and the nation or do we typically only ‘cover our house under the blood?’ Kudos to Reverend Jeffrey Shuttleworth and the Tarrant Baptist Church (TBC) radio team, who have been using the airwaves to regularly and strategically pray and pull down strongholds of darkness all over Jamaica.

Certainly the crime issue is an area for genuine introspection and genuflection not only by the church but by Jamaicans overall. However, in all the devising and scheming that we must do to quell crime, I believe the church’s original mandate to save, redeem and disciple is the greatest deterrent to crime. Yes, we have some false prophets and sinful pastors that have muddied the church’s reputation but the overarching positive transformational impact of the church on the island cannot be hidden.

The church has made a significant contribution to Jamaica’s progress and prosperity over the years, particularly as it pertains to the development of education and social services. Most of the schools and charities in Jamaica were founded by churches. And if we agree with the late human rights activist and former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela that “education is the greatest weapon you can use to change the world,” then the church’s investment in Jamaica’s education has been life-changing and nation-building. Indeed, if you add the number of churches and church-run schools operating in the island, you wouldn’t be able to deny that God’s hand is actively at work in Jamaica. And maybe His hand is upon us because every major and minor event in Jamaica starts or ends with a request to God to bless and guard our country and grant wisdom to national leaders, through the playing of the beloved national anthem.

As we commemorate 55 years of independence this month, let us therefore continue to discern God’s hand in our land and give Him the glory for all the great things He has done in Jamaica. And as we envision the future, let us abide in His great love and seize ‘the abundant life’ that His son, the Lord Jesus promised to all who believe in Him, irrespective of our denominational persuasion.

Happy ‘Emancipendence’ Jamaica!

Shelly-Ann Harris is the Editorial Director and Founder of Family and Faith Magazine.

Family and Faith Magazine is always pleased to highlight how successful corporate enterprises are giving back to Jamaica, especially those family-run entities that feature generations of savvy business minds with a kind heart towards the community. Indeed it seems as though kindness is what fuels the engine at the Stewart’s Automotive Group which has been putting their profits where their heart is, and in this season of independence Family and Faith Magazine is happy to highlight a few of the ways that the Group has blessed Jamaica.

The Richard and Diana Stewart Foundation

Since its inception in 1938, the Stewart’s Automotive Group has always played a huge role in working toward the betterment of Jamaica. However it was in 2009, that Diana and her late husband founded the Richard and Diana Stewart Foundation to further their efforts in giving back to Jamaica. The Foundation provides numerous academic scholarships for at-risk youth, including the children of the Stewart’s Automotive Group staff members.

Following in their grandparents’ footsteps, the six grandchildren responded to the systemic poverty in Jamaica by founding their own branch of the Richard and Diana Stewart Foundation, Kind Hearts. Kind Hearts focuses on community housing and education needs for underprivileged families in Jamaica. The grandchildren have participated in the construction and fundraising efforts of four compassion homes and several basic schools in rural Jamaica. In August 2016, Kind Hearts successfully reached its goal of building five basic schools in five years alongside Food for the Poor Jamaica.

One of Kind Heart’s biggest fundraising initiatives is the Colour Me Happy Charity Powder Run – the first run in colour introduced in Jamaica. Defined by creativity, drive and a passion for helping the less fortunate, participants of the run are some of the happiest people in Jamaica looking to have a good time and make a difference with their contribution.

Other Philanthropic Efforts

The Group rallied behind Food for the Poor Jamaica to collect funds and donations of canned goods and bottled water to provide aid for those affected by Hurricane Matthew in Haiti.

In October 2016, Stewart’s participated in a Breast Cancer Awareness Initiative #DriveForTheCure with the Jamaica Cancer Society.

Stewart’s plays an active role in promoting job creation and training in Jamaica by being active participants in the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP); and providing work experience for student technicians at the Jamaica-German Automotive School (JAGAS) and the Ministry of Labour’ “Steps to Work” programme.

In 2006, Diana Stewart was Chairperson of the American Chambers of Commerce Jamaica (AMCHAM) Fund Raising and Design Committee and was instrumental in the fundraising and construction of the Grants Pen Model Community Policing and Services Centre developed in partnership with USAID, GOJ and the Private Sector. This new centre was valued at US$2.5 million dollars.

Stewart’s Auto Sales decided to contribute 0.5% of the total cost of every Suzuki sold, to the Economic Development Foundation of Jamaica, in 2007, in keeping with its Peace Initiative and to assist with the paying off of debts incurred whilst in the process of building AMCHAM PLACE, and purchasing additional property for parking and a Peace Park, now known as the CHASE Peace Park. In 2009, Mrs. Stewart, then the Chairman of AMCHAM Jamaica, was instrumental in hosting a successful forum on the H1N1 virus protection for Jamaica as well as a Health Safety Security Environment Conference and Economic Forum.

In 2008 Richard and Diana Stewart were nominated as Business Leaders of the Year by the Jamaica Observer.

Recognising the need for first class medical facilities, the Stewart’s Automotive Group joined a number of companies in becoming donors of The Tony Thwaites Wing Expansion at the University Hospital of the West Indies. This expansion still benefits the entire hospital. Stewarts has also been involved with health campaigns, including the National Council for Drug Abuse/Addiction Alert’s documentary “Put God First” with singer Roy Rayon and donating the profit for a car raffle for keeping an AIDS Hospice open in the fight against AIDS.

Stewart’s has always been supporters as well as a sponsors of Jamaican Sports and the Arts. The Group is a proud sponsor of Usain Bolt’s Racers Grand Prix. Additionally, on the Reggae Boyz’s “Road to France,” Suzuki Jamaica donated the proceeds of three cars to the three most improved players. Stewart’s also donated a Suzuki to several Test Series for Man of the Series for West Indies cricket. The Group was also a contributor to the establishment of the reconstructed Edna Manley Health Centre.

Other endeavours include working alongside several missionaries such as Missionaries of the Poor and Youth With a Mission Jamaica (YWAM).

The Holy Scriptures tell us that “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done,” (Proverbs 19:17). May the kindness of the Stewart Automotive Group continue to bless Jamaica in the years to come and may God in His wisdom and grace reward them abundantly.

After months and weeks of intense preparations, grade 6 students in Jamaica braced and battened down for sitting one of the most feared events among primary level children and their parents, teachers and well-wishers. No, they weren’t expecting a hurricane, they were preparing for the Grade Six Achievement Test, GSAT. For 2 days in March, 11 and 12 year-old boys and girls sat what seemed to be the great arbiter of their future success in life. Even with hundreds of hours of study, sleepless nights and Saturday classes in their arsenal, some still wept and wailed on the morning of the exams. At the end of the period of ‘testing’, many realized that they gave the exams way too much power. They realized that ultimately it is God who orders our steps and that our responsibility is to dream, be diligent, work hard and believe that ‘God will work all things for our good’. Even with that revelation it is still very important to help the children unwind and release the stress they endured for months.

With this in mind, Family and Faith Magazine in partnership with Jewel Runaway Bay treated a handful of hardworking high-performing GSAT students from prep and primary school to a few days of amazing fun! Jewel is certainly well known for its kid-friendly fun-focused activities; from the exhilarating waterparks, kayaking and ranch activities to the kids, tween and teen centres where the agenda is always fun, kids are set up to always have a great time.

From left – GSAT Students Nia-Ashley, Israel Redwood, Cara Burrell and Immanuel Redwood

Jewel Runaway Bay Hotel Manager Patrick Bryan told Family and Faith Magazine that when kids arrive on the property they have no trouble parking their tablets. “It is amazing when children come on the resort and how many sign up for the kids centre and tweens centre. We have games like Capture The Flag and Treasure Hunt and they would run all over the property to find something and bring it back and it creates such a joy to them and especially their parents because according to the parents, when they are at home, they don’t do any physical activity.”

Patrick Bryan (second from right) enjoying golf with the budding high schoolers!

Speaking of the students, Mr. Bryan a GSAT father himself noted that, “They need to relax, to recover, because after GSAT they are going to high school and going into high school you also have to prepare for that so they have to have this time where they can have some peace and tranquility – do other things than studying.” And so our four GSAT students who did exceptionally well in their exams and are now gearing up to enroll in some of Jamaica’s top high schools had their chance to enjoy the lovely property.

Cara Burrell, Nia-Ashley Harris, Immanuel Redwood and Israel Redwood worked hard and thankfully had the chance to play hard at the award-winning family resort. The 4 pupils put down their pencils and picked up an unending supply of delicious pizza, golf clubs, swimming gear, games and other fun stuff as they enjoyed the fun-filled property. At the end of their time, they told Family and Faith magazine about what they enjoyed most.

Cara Burrell: – I was excited when my mother told me I was going to spend three days with my friend, Nia at Jewel Runaway Bay. We left Kingston at about 4:30 p.m. and got there at 5:45 p.m.. A lot of people were there having a great time. When we arrived, Auntie Mellesley, our tour guide, gave us cold rags to put on our faces. Then she showed us to our rooms. Auntie Tamar stayed with us (Nia and I) in our room and was our chaperone. Nia and I got ready for dinner and went to a restaurant next to the golf course. They had a wide range of food on the menu but I chose my all time favorite food: chicken and fries. I liked the presentation of the food. After we ate, we waited for the golf carts to take us back to the lobby. We went to our rooms, got ready for bed and watched TV for a while before going to sleep.

The next day we spent most of the day at the pool. We also went sailing and saw a huge stingray. After that we had dinner at the Jade Samurai, a Japanese restaurant. The chef chopped up the food very fast. The food was delicious! After dinner, we went back to our rooms, got ready for bed, watched TV for a little while and then it was lights out as Auntie Shelly had instructed!

On the last day of our trip, we went to the recording studio and Nia and I recorded a song written by Kevin Downswell “You Make Me Stronger”. I thought we sounded melodious. After that, we went to the golf course on a golf cart and played golf for a little while. I used a golf club very well. Later, I went to the gift shop and got a beautiful bracelet which I will treasure as it marks my fun trip to Jewel Runaway Bay with my best friend, Nia. I had a really wonderful time at the hotel. The staff was delightful; the rooms were comfortable; the food was delicious and overall it was an extremely enjoyable stay.

Nia-Ashley Harris :- My stay at Jewel Runaway Bay has been an amazing experience. On the first day of our stay since we arrived at about 5:30pm, we quickly changed to go to the Great Escape Restaurant. We all enjoyed the peculiar dishes which tasted delicious! As it grew later, we made our way back to the hotel room and watched YouTube and Netflix on the television. Fortunately, for us, we got to stay up really late! It was so fun!

On day two after breakfast at the buffet, my best friend Cara and I went to the recording studio to record Kevin Downswell’s version of Stronger. Our tour guide, Aunty Mellesley, showed us to the recording room, made entirely out of egg cartons. This fascinated me because they used recycled materials for a new purpose; absorbing sound! This is so interesting to me because I love science. After we recorded the song, we played Just Dance at the tween centre. Later, we went to the beach and sailed out into the ocean on a sailboat. Our guide was fun and gave us an amazing experience! At 8pm, we went to the Japanese restaurant for dinner, where they had a stove in the middle of the table so the chef could cook in front of us. The food was scrumptious! The chef was also warm and inviting.

We also went to the golf course where our guide taught us how to swing our golf clubs and hit the balls. Our instructor said I was a natural! I am truly elated to have been granted this wonderful stay at Jewel Runaway Bay!

Israel Redwood: – Staying at the Jewel Runaway Bay was very exciting! I will give 10 fun and coolest things I enjoyed the most:

I enjoyed floating around in the Lazy River

The long tube slide at the water park was great!

I went in the super speed body slide many times.

The food area at the Water Park was good

I learnt to play golf. This was soo cool!

I met two boys one from Canada and the other from the USA and we played table tennis together!

The video games were great!

In the games centre I played Fifa games for hours.

I really just enjoyed running around and exploring the property.

The Japanese restaurant was really good and new for me. The chef prepared the food right in front of us!

Immanuel Redwood: – My stay at Jewel Runaway Bay was very interesting I would give them a 5 Star! The ten coolest activities I enjoyed there were:

I loved the tube slide at the water park.

Another winner was the super speed body slide!

I enjoyed the pool. There were two just outside of my balcony and a small one assigned to my room!

The boat ride was just amazing – we went sailing.

I played table tennis with two foreigners and it was fun!

The Fifa games in the games room made my day.

I learnt to play golf. I believed I hit my ball the farthest!

Going to dinner to the Great Escape in the golf cart was exciting!

The studio recording was fun. My brother and I did an original acapella.

Watching the chef at the Japanese restaurant was cool. The Chef next to my table was fun as he threw pieces of food into the guest’s mouth.

All in all, the kids gave the resort full marks, which is no surprise since the property was this year again named Best Family Resort in the region. Family and Faith Magazine is delighted that Scott Robbins was also honoured as Best General Manager. We couldn’t be happier! Jewel Runaway Bay continues to be an escape from the wear and tear of everyday life to a welcoming place for great fun, beauty, camaraderie and relaxation!

Swimming has grown to be a popular activity for many groups within our communities. In fact, to say swimming is for everyone is not a stretch, but it is in fact the truth. In my many years actively involved in the sport, and now a teacher of the discipline and an advocate for the benefits of water activities, I can tell you without a doubt that swimming is for everyone.

Babies and infants can participate in water activities

Babies or infants as young as 6 months old can participate in water activities. While they will not learn the technical skills to swim at this age, they will benefit from increased physical awareness as they experience their little bodies in a whole new way. From swimming lessons, babies naturally move their limbs, thus strengthening their muscles, coordination and even their lung capacity. In water, babies have the opportunity to explore with their parents and socialize with others their age, thus increasing their confidence. Babies who are involved in water activities and who are exposed to ‘swimming classes’ early are typically more confident, and exhibit less fear of water as they grow older.

If babies can do it, then there is no minimum age for starting your child in formal swim classes. Research from the German Sports College Cologne, “Baby Swimming: Advanced Independence and Development of Intelligence” has reported that children who engaged in swimming from infancy were significantly stronger and more coordinated and scored higher in intelligence and problem solving. They were also found to be more self-disciplined and self-controlled and had a greater desire to succeed.

Swimming is key to drown prevention

Based on these benefits, parents should get their child involved in swimming. Additionally if your child starts these classes earlier, then the possibility of them developing a fear of water will decrease. Gaining competences like kicking on their stomachs, being able to lift their head for a breath and being able to support their own body weight and eventually moving from one point to another, are all key to drown prevention. With increased exposure to open bodies of water, our children are more at risk for drowning or near drowning incidents today. Drown prevention is everybody’s business, and as parents, it is our responsibility to ensure that we provide our children with the skills they require to maintain life. Water safety is fundamental. It is a MUST. Swimming is therefore a lifesaving skill. Learning to swim can save your child’s life. Follow Aquaworx for more on our Drown Prevention Initiative.

How Swimming Benefits Teenagers and Adults

Teenagers involved in swimming (usually competitively) tend to be more organized and disciplined in other aspects of life. Training as a competitive swimmer requires dedication and commitment. Their drive to succeed in water often leads to their drive to succeed in other areas of their life. They are keen on time management and meeting deadlines. The discipline requires you to be a strong individual performer as well as strong team players. Outside of the damaged hair or sun drenched skin (which can both be prevented with the right products and practices) teenagers who swim tend to be extremely healthy based on the calories burnt as a result of a full body work out during training sessions.

Now as an adult, there are so many persons that can benefit from swimming (or water activities). This requires a dedicated article for itself however to support my claim that swimming is for everyone, lets briefly talk about Prenatal and the Rehabilitating sub-segments within the adult group. Water provides a gentle, weight bearing, low resistance and calming environment which is perfect for pregnant women and for individuals who are on the road to physical, mental and emotional recovery. Swimming, or water activities (prenatal aquatics or aqua rehab classes) are designed to allow these groups to increase their range of motion, stretch to de-stress and to increase muscle tone in a safe and progressive way. The gentle flow of water provides just enough resistance to challenge, but not hurt. Persons who experience progress in their recovery while in water tend to be more confident on land; their postures improve and more importantly, their self-esteem gets a boost!

I could write a book on all the benefits (tangible and intangible) since the list is long. Swimming changes and saves lives. Swimming is for everyone! Put it on your bucket list, not just for you, but your entire family. Sign up for a class today!

The story of redemption is a simple one. Believe, repent and surrender and your sins will be washed clean and you will be made new. That’s how it is between God and man. It is between us humans that it gets more complicated. We tend to question if every and anyone can be redeemed, especially if the wrong they have done was particularly egregious to us or our loved ones. Some question the authenticity of their own redemption given their personal ongoing struggle with a particular sin. In this Easter edition of Family and Faith Magazine we explore the foundational issue of redemption through the eyes of people we hope you can relate to.

We also turn the spotlight on other issues such as domestic violence in our main feature with the effervescent and sweet Tricia-Ann Morris. We are also very pleased to share the good works of Christine Haber Ministries International, reminding us that “the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power!” (1 Corinthians 4:20). So turn the pages, enjoy the stories and be reminded that redemption, personal victory and power come from the risen Christ, whom we celebrate in this holy Easter season.

Please note that the magazine content for Easter 2017 is only available in digital form via the link below. We are in the process of upgrading our website and so new web / online stories will be unavailable until end of May. Thank you for your patience.

We are sooo excited to go back to school! Well, sort of… We are glad that the children will continue their educational journey but the expenses can be daunting for parents and guardians. However as people of faith we are assured that our Father will provide all of our needs according to His riches in glory. So let’s walk the walk of faith and be prepared to mentor, encourage and guide our children through the 2016/2017 academic year.

To support you on this journey, our Back to School edition features notable Jamaicans ‘going back to school’ to give a word of advice to themselves! It’s quite a treat!This edition also offers some great tips on starting high school and leaving university as well as the inside scoop on the enigmatic Captain ICan! who is a favourite among students across the island, so be sure to share with your kids! On the family life front, the distinguished Dr. Wayne Henry shares his heart on fatherhood, family and faith, we were truly inspired. So dive in and enjoy our issue #10. It’s Back to School!